Give Your Legal Career a Strong Start

Paralegals are a vital part of any legal team, and a degree in Paralegal Studies from Davenport University may give you a distinct advantage in this high-demand career path.1

Our American Bar Association-approved Paralegal Studies programs2 are designed to support today’s legal community with multiple programs to fit your needs:

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Our bachelor’s degree in Paralegal Studies prepares you for your paralegal career, with courses in advanced litigation skills, law office computer applications, and electives including specialties like bankruptcy, real estate, family, probate, and criminal law. This program also serves as a springboard to law school.

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate*

This certificate is designed for students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree program in another area of study. This credential can be a real asset if you’re already working in a legal environment, or you’re considering changing careers.

Associate of Science (A.S.)

Our associate degree gives you a basic foundation in business and law, and the opportunity to apply legal theories to real-life legal situations. All associate degree courses transfer directly to the Davenport Bachelor of Science degree in Paralegal Studies.

Paralegal studies is an ideal foundation for and complement to an advanced degree, such as a Davenport MBA or a law degree, if you decide to further expand your skill sets for greater employment opportunities.

Classes to Meet Your Goals

Paralegal Studies classes offer legal theory as well as practical, hands-on experience, including internships, a study abroad opportunity and other clinical experiences. With every class, you’ll develop the effective communications and critical thinking skills you need for success. You'll also have access to a wide range of elective courses:

Bankruptcy law

Real estate

Estate planning

Family law

Criminal procedure

Why Davenport?

Davenport offers the courses, degrees, and certifications you need, and we have a proven track record of success:

91% of Davenport Paralegal students pass the national certification exam, compared to a national average of 58%.

We’re among the few Paralegal Studies programs in the country to be recognized and approved by the American Bar Association.

In-demand Careers

According to current national employment projections, demand for paralegals is expected to grow 28% through 2016 – a faster than average rate.

The projections cite specific occupations that are considered critical to the economy, including opportunities that you may pursue with a paralegal studies certificate or degree, including:

Paralegal

Legal Assistant

Court Clerk

Compliance Manager

These careers are projected to have significant employment opportunities in the future, with salaries ranging from $44,500 to $55,000 for bachelor degree graduates.

Source: http://www.bls.gov

The DU Advantage

Our unique online and in-classroom courses deliver a high-quality education with the advantage of small (sometimes virtual) classes, experienced faculty and cutting-edge programs for today's most in-demand careers.

1NOTE: While paralegals are an important part of the legal team, they cannot give legal advice or other direct legal services to clients and must work under the supervision of a licensed attorney.

2See information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program and other employment information.

Full Curriculum

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE • 120 CREDITS • PARALGL BS

The American Bar Association (ABA) approved Bachelor of Science degree in Paralegal Studies builds upon the foundation developed in the Associate of Science degree program and provides the opportunity for further study in the areas of litigation, computer applications, and legal specialties. The degree will prepare students to successfully perform the duties required of a paralegal through studies that focus on effective communication skills, critical thinking, litigation procedures, computer applications for law offices, ethics and various legal specialties. Although the paralegal plays a key role in providing legal services to clients, only attorneys may accept cases, give legal advice, represent clients in court, or provide other direct legal services to clients. The courses of the Bachelor of Science degree in Paralegal Studies provide valuable preparation for careers in law offices, government agencies, or other law-related settings.

***Which class should I take? When should I take it? Please click here for a recommended program sequence.